Surat Thani is a city in southern Thailand situated near the mouth of the Tapi River, where the river meets the Gulf of Thailand. It serves as an important commercial and transport center for the surrounding province and is a common starting point for journeys to the islands of the Gulf. The city itself has a more local character than Thailand's major resort destinations, with markets, temples, riverfront areas, and busy streets forming its urban landscape. Beyond the city, the province contains mangrove forests, limestone mountains, plantations, national parks, and coastal wetlands.

Surat Thani's cultural identity is closely connected to Buddhism, river communities, agriculture, and the maritime traditions of southern Thailand. Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine is an important local religious site, while temples throughout the city and surrounding communities serve as places for worship and festivals. The Tapi River has long supported transport, fishing, and trade, linking inland communities with the coast. Traditional markets remain important gathering places where residents purchase fresh produce, seafood, prepared foods, and household goods. The province also has connections with the Srivijaya cultural sphere, particularly through archaeological evidence found in the wider southern region.

The wider province offers several notable natural attractions. Khao Sok National Park is known for limestone mountains, evergreen rainforest, waterfalls, caves, and the large reservoir of Cheow Lan Lake. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, reached from the Gulf coast, protects a group of limestone islands, beaches, forests, and marine habitats. Within Surat Thani city, the Tapi River waterfront provides views of the river and access to boat trips, while nearby Ban Don Bay contains mangroves and tidal waterways. These environments show the geographic variety of the province, from inland rainforest and mountains to rivers, wetlands, and offshore islands.

Surat Thani's food culture reflects the ingredients and cooking traditions of southern Thailand. Local dishes often use seafood, coconut milk, turmeric, chili, lemongrass, and other aromatic ingredients, producing strongly seasoned curries and soups. Khanom jeen, rice noodles served with regional curry and fresh vegetables, is widely associated with southern Thai cuisine. Fresh oysters from coastal communities around Surat Thani are another notable local product, particularly those associated with the coastal district of Chaiya. The city's markets offer seafood, tropical fruit, southern-style snacks, and prepared dishes, connecting everyday food with the province's agricultural and coastal resources.